NJ Group Challenges ‘Harmful Taboos’ About Menstruation

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of GrassROOTS Community Foundation. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

GrassROOTS Community Foundation (GCF), a leading public health and social action organization, today released its white paper, “The Justice Agenda: Addressing Menstrual Equity Across the Globe.” The report explores the multifaceted challenges surrounding menstruation and presents actionable strategies to dismantle barriers to access, education, and support for all menstruators.

“Achieving true gender equity requires confronting the deep-rooted stigma and disparities associated with menstruation,” said Dr. Janice Johnson Dias, Co-Founder and President of GCF. “This white paper is a call to action to challenge harmful taboos and reshape the narrative around menstruation.”

The report highlights critical obstacles faced by menstruators, including limited access to products, inadequate education, and societal exclusion. It underscores the profound global impact of menstrual inequity and advocates for comprehensive policy reforms. Key recommendations include eliminating the tampon tax, installing free menstrual product dispensers in public spaces like schools and community centers, and incorporating menstrual products into public assistance programs

“The silence surrounding menstruation impacts millions globally,” noted Lisa Maxwell, GCF Board Member. “Our mission is to break this silence and ensure menstruators have the resources and dignity they need to manage their health without shame.”

GCF has been at the forefront of the menstrual equity movement, providing over 100,000 sanitary napkins to thousands of girls in the U.S., Jamaica, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Through initiatives like the Global Menstrual Equity Council and the Men for Menstrual Equity Advisory Group, GCF collaborates with advocates, policymakers, and organizations worldwide to increase health literacy, advocate for policy change, and ensure product access for those in need.

“As a student, I’ve seen firsthand how inadequate education and limited resources harm menstruators,” said Amina Anekwe, Youth Representative for GrassROOTS Community Foundation. “We need to create systems that prioritize menstrual health, making sure that no one is left without the support they need.”

On April 9, the GCF hosted an event at the West Orange Library to officially launch its strategic vision for global menstrual equity, ‘The Justice Agenda: Addressing Menstrual Equity Across the Globe.’ This event began an ambitious, action-driven plan to address menstrual inequity across Jamaica, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, and the United States from 2025 to 2030.

About GrassROOTS Community Foundation

GrassROOTS Community Foundation (GCF) is a public health and social action organization that works to mobilize community action and offset economic disadvantage. GCF was co-founded by Dr. Janice Johnson Dias and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, lead MC of the Grammy Award-winning group, The Roots. GCF’s mission is to create a world where all girls grow up to be healthy women. https://grassrootscommunityfoundation.org

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